Carton and carton blank

ABSTRACT

A carton (90) for packaging one or more articles comprising: a plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of walls including: a first side wall (14); a second side wall (18); a front wall (12); and a rear wall (14). A cap (C) is provided for closing a first end of the tubular structure. The cap is hingedly connected to a first one (12) of the plurality of walls. The cap (C) comprises an end closure panel (22a) for closing said first end; a cap front wall (34); a first cap side wall (38a); a second cap side wall (38b). The cap front wall (34), first cap side wall (38a) and second cap side wall (38b) are configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of walls proximate the first end. The cap is configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming the same more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton comprising a recloseable lid.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising one or more primary product containers. Such packages are desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and for the display of promotional information.

For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage as possible in the materials from which they are formed.

Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a carton having a lid which is recloseable; that is to say, that the lid can be repeatedly open and closed. It is further desirable that the carton may be readily assembled.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of walls including: a first side wall; a second side wall; a front wall; and a rear wall. The carton comprises a cap for closing a first end of the tubular structure. The cap may be hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of walls. The cap may comprise an end closure panel for closing said first end, a cap front wall, a first cap side wall and a second cap side wall. The cap front wall, first cap side wall and second cap side wall may be configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of walls proximate the first end. The cap may be configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.

Optionally, the plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure are configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.

Optionally, the cap comprises at least one locking tab and at least one locking tab receiver, at least one locking tab and at least one locking tab receiver configured to form a cap lock for securing the cap in an erected condition.

Optionally, a second one of the plurality of walls comprises a securing tab and the cap comprises a securing tab receiver forming a cap securing arrangement for securing the cap in a closed condition.

Optionally, the cap comprises a first cap inner side wall and a second cap inner side wall, each of the first and second cap inner side walls comprising a cutaway defining at least in part a respective receiver, and wherein the cap comprises an inner front wall having a first locking tab and a second locking tab arranged to be received in a respective one of said receivers.

Optionally, the cap comprises an inner front wall having a first front wall locking tab arranged to be received in a front wall locking tab receiver provided in the end closure panel.

Optionally, each of the first and second cap inner side walls comprises a side wall locking tab, and the end closure panel comprises a first side wall locking tab receiver and a second side wall locking tab receiver for receiving a respective one of the side wall locking tabs.

Optionally, the cap comprises a first pair of web panels hingedly interconnecting the first side wall with the front wall.

Optionally, the cap comprises a second pair of web panels hingedly interconnecting the second side wall with the front wall.

Optionally, the cap comprises a first side wall securing tab hingedly connected to the first side wall.

Optionally, the cap comprises a second side wall securing tab hingedly connected to the second side wall.

In some embodiments, the carton comprises a first article receiving structure comprising a first panel, a second panel and a spacer panel for spacing the second panel apart from the first panel.

Optionally, the first panel is hinged to a third one of the plurality of walls of the carton.

Optionally, the article receiving structure comprises a securing panel for securing the second panel to said third one of the plurality of walls of the carton.

In some embodiments, the carton comprises a second article receiving structure comprising a third panel, a fourth panel and a second spacer panel for spacing the second panel apart from the first panel.

Optionally, the third panel is hinged to a second one of the plurality of walls of the carton adjacent to said second one of the plurality of walls of the carton.

Optionally, the second article receiving structure comprises a securing panel for securing the second panel to said second one of the plurality of walls of the carton.

Optionally, the second one of the plurality of walls of the carton is disposed opposite the first one of the plurality of walls of the carton.

Optionally, the third panel and the securing tab are hinged adjacent one another to the same one of the plurality of walls of the carton.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of walls including: a first side wall; a second side wall; a front wall; and a rear wall. A cap may be provided for closing a first end of the tubular structure. The cap may be hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of walls. The cap may comprise an end closure panel for closing said first end; a cap front wall; a first cap side wall; and a second cap side wall. The cap front wall, first cap side wall and second cap side wall may be configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of walls proximate the first end. The carton may comprise a door hingedly connected to one of the first and second side walls. The door may be retained in a closed position by the cap and the door may be retained in an open position by the cap.

Optionally, the cap is configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.

Optionally, the plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure are configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.

Optionally, the front wall extends partially between a first end of the tubular structure and a second end of the tubular structure so as to provide a display window when the door is at least partially open.

Optionally, the door comprises a securing tab and the cap comprises a securing tab receiver forming a cap securing arrangement for securing the cap and door in a closed condition.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of wall panels for forming walls of a tubular structure, the plurality of wall panels including: a first side wall panel; a second side wall panel; a front wall panel; and a rear wall panel. The blank may comprise a plurality of cap panels for forming a cap for closing a first end of the tubular structure. The plurality of cap panels may comprise an end closure panel for closing said first end and being hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of wall panels; a cap front wall panel; a first cap side wall panel; and a second cap side wall panel. In a set up condition, the cap front wall panel, first cap side wall panel and second cap side wall panel may be configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of wall panels proximate the first end. The plurality of cap panels may be configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of wall panels for forming walls of a tubular structure, the plurality of wall panels including: a first side wall panel; a second side wall panel; a front wall panel; and a rear wall panel. The blank may comprise a plurality of cap panels for forming a cap for closing a first end of the tubular structure. The plurality of cap panels may comprise an end closure panel for closing said first end and being hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of wall panels; a cap front wall panel; a first cap side wall panel; and a second cap side wall panel. In a set up condition, the cap front wall panel, first cap side wall panel and second cap side wall panel may be configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of wall panels proximate the first end. The blank may comprise at least one panel for forming a door. The door may be hingedly connected to one of the first and second side wall panels. In a set up carton, the door may be retained in a closed position by the cap and the door may be retained in an open position by the cap.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2a to 3c illustrate construction of the blank of FIG. 1 into a flat collapsed carton;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an internal perspective view of a portion of an end closure of the carton of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an alternative perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 showing a complementary locking mechanism disposed internally of the end closure;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7 showing the end closure in an open condition;

FIG. 9 is an internal perspective view of a portion of an end closure of the carton of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 11 showing an end closure and an access gate in a partially open condition;

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate assembly of the end closure of the blank of FIG. 11; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view from above of a portion of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 11 showing the end closure in an open condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the packages, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 capable of packaging one or more primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form walls of a tubular structure in a set up condition. The blank 10 comprises a first wall panel 12, which forms a rear wall of the carton 90 as shown in FIG. 4. The first wall panel 12 is hinged to a second wall panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 13. The second wall panel 14 forms a first side wall of the carton 90 as shown in FIG. 4. The second wall panel 14 is hinged to a third wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. The third wall panel 16 forms a front wall 16 of the carton 90 as shown in FIG. 4. The third wall panel 16 is hinged to a fourth wall panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 17. The fourth wall panel 18 forms a second side wall 18 of the carton 90 as shown in FIG. 4. The fourth wall panel 18 is hinged to a securing panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19.

The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures.

A first, upper, end of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panel 22 a which, in the illustrated embodiment, forms a top wall panel of a recloseable end closure of the tubular structure described in more detail below.

A second, lower, end of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by a plurality of end closure panels 22 b, 24 b, 26 b, 28 b, 30 b, 32 b which, in the illustrated embodiment, form a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by the end closure panel 22 a and the plurality of lower end closure panels 22 b, 24 b, 26 b, 28 b, 30 b, 32 b respectively. The plurality of end closure panels 22 b, 24 b, 26 b, 28 b, 30 b, 32 b form a composite bottom wall which is automatically erected when the blank 10 is erected into a tubular structure from the flat collapsed form shown in FIG. 3 c.

A first end closure panel 22 a forms a first top panel 22 a and is hingedly connected to a first end of the first wall panel 12 by a fold line 23 a.

A second end closure panel 22 b forms a first base panel 22 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the first wall panel 12 by a fold line 23 b. A first securing tab 30 b is hingedly connected to second end closure panel 22 b by a fold line 31 b.

A third end closure panel 24 b forms a second base panel 24 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the second wall panel 14 by a fold line 25 b.

A fourth end closure panel 26 b forms a third base panel 26 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the third wall panel 16 by a fold line 27 b. A second securing tab 32 b is hingedly connected to fourth end closure panel 26 b by a fold line 33 b.

A fifth end closure panel 28 b forms a fourth base panel 28 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the fourth wall panel 18 by a fold line 29 b.

The blank 10 comprises a cap in the form of a recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises the first end closure panel 22 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a plurality of panels forming side and front walls of the recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first side wall 38 a hinged to a first side of the first end closure panel 22 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 39 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second side wall 38 b hinged to a second side of the first end closure panel 22 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 39 b. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first inner side wall 40 a hinged to the first side wall 38 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 41 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second inner side wall 40 b hinged to the second side wall 38 b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 41 b.

A front wall 34 is hingedly connected to first end closure panel 22 a by a fold line 35. An inner front wall 36 is hingedly connected to front wall 34 by a fold line 37.

A first pair of web panels 42 a, 44 a interconnect the first side wall 38 a and the front wall 34. A first web panel 42 a is hingedly connected to the first side wall 38 a by a fold line 43 a. A second web panel 44 a is hingedly connected to the first web panel 42 a by a fold line 45 a. The second web panel 44 a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the front wall 34 by a fold line 47 a.

A second pair of web panels 42 b, 44 b interconnect the second side wall 38 b and the front wall 34. A third web panel 42 b is hingedly connected to the second side wall 38 b by a fold line 43 b. A fourth web panel 44 b is hingedly connected to the third web panel 42 b by a fold line 45 b. The fourth web panel 44 b is hingedly connected to a second side edge of the front wall 34 by a fold line 47 b.

The first inner side wall 40 a comprises a receiver in the form of a first cutaway R1. The second inner side wall 40 b comprises a receiver in the form of a second cutaway R2. The inner front wall 36 comprises a receiver in the form of a third cutaway R3.

A first locking tab 46 a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the inner front wall 36 by a fold line 49 a. The first locking tab 46 a is shaped complementarily to the first cutaway R1. The first locking tab 46 a and the first cutaway R1 form a first securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure in an erected condition.

A second locking tab 46 b is hingedly connected to a second side edge of the inner front wall 36 by a fold line 49 b. The second locking tab 46 b is shaped complementarily to the second cutaway R2. The second locking tab 46 b and the second cutaway R2 form a second securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure in an erected condition.

The blank comprises a securing tab 50 hinged to the third wall panel 16 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 51. The securing tab 50 is shaped complementarily to the third cutaway R3.

The securing tab 50 and the third cutaway R3 form a locking arrangement for locking the recloseable end closure in a closed condition.

Optionally, the blank comprises an article receiving structure N. The article receiving structure N comprises an upper panel 52 hingedly connected to the fourth wall panel 18 by a fold line 53. The article receiving structure N comprises a spacer panel 54 hingedly connected to the upper panel 52 by a fold line 55. The article receiving structure N comprises a lower panel 56 hingedly connected to the spacer panel 54 by a fold line 57. The article receiving structure N comprises a securing panel 58 hingedly connected to the lower panel 56 by a fold line 59.

Optionally, the upper panel 52 comprises a first aperture A1. Optionally, the lower panel 56 comprises a second aperture A2.

The first aperture A1 may provide a viewing window for displaying at least a portion of an article such as, but not limited to, an end closure of the article being packaged.

The second aperture A2 may receive at least a portion of an article such as, but not limited to, a neck portion of the article being packaged. The second aperture A2 may be larger in dimension than the first aperture A1

The article receiving structure N may provide support to an upper portion of the article or articles being packaged so as to prevent or inhibit movement of the article within the carton 90, in particular the upper portion thereof.

The article receiving structure N may provide a display feature for providing an area for branding or other indicia. The article receiving structure N may be employed to focus a consumer's attention upon branding provided upon a portion of the article being packaged.

The article receiving structure N may improve the structural integrity of a portion of the carton 90 proximate the upper end so as to form a bracing structure between the first and third wall panel 12, 16 and between the second and fourth wall panels 14, 18. In this way the rigidity of the upper end portion of the carton 90 is improved. This may increase the security of the locking arrangement formed by the third cutaway R3 and the securing tab 50 for example, but not limited to, by preventing or reducing the likelihood of unintentional disengagement of the locking arrangement by inward flexion of the third wall panel 16 or other displacement of the third wall panel 16 relative to the inner front wall panel 36.

The blank 10 can be formed into a flat collapsed carton as shown in FIG. 3c by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight line machine so that the carton 90 may not be required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 4, glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to a portion of an inner surface of the fourth wall panel 18 (see FIG. 2a ). The glue G is applied to a region which underlies the securing panel 58 when the blank is folded about fold line 55. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the securing panel 58. The blank 10 is folded (as indicated by direction arrow D1) about the fold line 55 such that the lower panel 56 is disposed in overlying relationship with the upper panel 52, the spacer panel 54 and a portion of the fourth wall panel 18. The securing panel 58 is brought into an overlying relationship with the fourth wall panel 18. The securing panel 58 is secured to the fourth wall panel 18.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the first side wall 38 a as shown in FIG. 2b . Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the second side wall 38 b as shown in FIG. 2 b.

The first inner side wall 40 a is folded about fold line 41 a to overlie the first side wall 38 a as indicated by direction arrow D2 in FIG. 2c . The first inner side wall 40 a is secured to the first side wall 38 a.

The second inner side wall 40 b is folded about fold line 41 b to overly the second side wall 38 b as indicated by direction arrow D3 in FIG. 2c . The second inner side wall 40 b is secured to the second side wall 38 b.

The second end closure panel 22 b is folded about fold line 23 b, as indicated by direction arrow D4 in FIG. 3a , to overlie the first wall panel 12 and consequently the first securing tab 30 b also overlies the first wall panel 12. The third end closure panel 24 b is folded about fold line 25 b to overlie the second wall panel 14. The fourth end closure panel 26 b is folded about fold line 27 b to overlie the third wall panel 16 and consequently the second securing tab 32 b also overlies the third wall panel 16. The fifth end closure panel 28 b is folded about fold line 29 b to overlie the fourth wall panel 18.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the third end closure panel 24 b. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of the second end closure panel 22 b. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the fifth end closure panel 28 b.

Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of the third end closure panel 26 b.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 17, as indicated by direction arrow D5 in FIG. 3b , such that the fourth wall panel 18 is disposed in overlying relationship with the third wall panel 16, and the securing panel 20 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second wall panel 14.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 20. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of the first wall panel 12.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 13, as indicated by direction arrow D6 in FIG. 3c , such that the first wall panel 12 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second wall panel 14 and the securing panel 20. The first wall panel 12 is secured to the securing panel 20.

The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into a tubular structure and loaded with articles.

The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form a tubular structure by displacement or translation of the first wall panel 12 relative to the third wall panel 16 such that the first wall panel 12 is spaced apart from the third side panel 16. In some embodiments this may be achieved by unfolding one of the wall panels 12, 14, 16, 18 with respect to one of the adjacent wall panels 12, 14, 16, 18. For example the first wall panel 12 may be unfolded about fold line 13 with respect to the second wall panel 14.

When the flat collapsed tubular structure is erected into the tubular form the second end closure panel 22 b, third end closure panel 24 b, fourth end closure panel 26 b and fifth end closure panel 28 b together form a composite base panel which is automatically erected when the flat collapsed tubular structure is erected. The blank 10 can be erected and assembly completed at the convertor plant without requiring application of glue or other adhesive treatment.

The recloseable end closure C can be erected by folding the first side wall 38 a about fold line 39 a, and hence simultaneously folding the first inner side wall 40 a so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first end closure panel 22 a. The first pair of web panels 42 a, 44 a are folded such that the second web panel 44 a is folded about fold line 47 a.

The second side wall 38 b is folded about fold line 39 b, and hence simultaneously folding the second inner side wall 40 b so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first end closure panel 22 a. The second pair of web panels 42 b, 44 b are folded such that the fourth web panel 44 b is folded about fold line 47 b.

The front wall 34 is folded about fold line 35. In doing so the first web panel 42 a is folded with respect to each of the first side wall 38 a and the second web panel 44 a about fold lines 43 a, 45 a respectively. Simultaneously the third web panel 42 b is folded with respect to each of the second side wall 38 b and the fourth web panel 44 b about fold lines 43 b, 45 b respectively.

Each of the second and fourth web panels 44 a, 44 b is brought into face contacting relationship with the front wall 34. The first web panel 42 a is brought into face contacting relationship with the second web panel 44 a. The third web panel 42 b is brought into face contacting relationship with the fourth web panel 44 b.

The inner front wall 36 is folded about fold line 37 so as to be brought into face contacting relationship with each of the first and third web panels 42 a, 42 b.

As the inner front wall 36 passes the edge of the first and second side walls 38 a, 38 b, defined by fold lines 41 a, 41 b respectively, the first and second locking tabs 46 a, 46 b are folded about the respective one of the fold lines 49 a, 49 b.

As the inner front wall 36 is brought into face contacting relationship with each of the first and third web panels 42 a, 42 b the first and second locking tabs 46 a, 46 b are received in a respective one of the first and second cutaways R1, R2.

The first locking tab 46 a interlocks with the first cutaway R1 and the second locking tab 46 b interlocks with the second cutaway R2 as shown in FIG. 5. In this way the recloseable end closure C is secured in an erected condition.

The carton 90 may be loaded with one or more articles through the open end by relative movement of the carton 90 with respect to the or each article.

Once the carton 90 has been loaded with an article or articles, the open end of the carton 90 is closed.

In some embodiments the article neck receiving structure N is provided. The article neck receiving structure N is erected once an article has been inserted. Article neck receiving structure N is erected by folding upper panel 52 about fold line 53. In doing so the lower panel 56 is folded about fold line 59 and the spacer panel 54 is folded about fold lines 55, 57 so as to be substantially perpendicular with respect to each of the upper and lower panels 52, 56, as shown in FIG. 4. The lower panel 56 may receive a portion (such as, but not limited to, a neck portion) of an article within the aperture A2.

An upper end of the article may be exposed to view through the aperture A1 in the upper panel 52.

The recloseable end closure C can be closed by folding the first end closure panel 22 a about fold line 23 a. Upper end portions of the second, third and fourth wall panels 14, 16, 18 are received in the recloseable end closure C.

The securing tab 50 is folded about fold line 51 when the recloseable end closure C is closed. The securing tab 50 is received in the third cutaway R3 so as to secure or hold the recloseable end closure C in the closed condition as shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 illustrates an assembled carton 90 forming a package.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “200” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. In the second illustrated embodiment like references have, where possible, been used to denote like parts to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown a blank 210 for forming a carton 290 capable of packaging one or more primary products.

The blank 210 comprises a plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 212, 214, 216, 218, 220 of the blank 210 form walls of a tubular structure in a set up condition. The blank 210 comprises a first wall panel 212, which forms a rear wall of the carton 290 shown in FIG. 8. The first wall panel 212 is hinged to a second wall panel 214 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 213. The second wall panel 214 forms a first side wall of the carton 290 shown in FIG. 8. The second wall panel 214 is hinged to a third wall panel 216 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 215. The third wall panel 216 forms a front wall 216 of the carton 290 shown in FIG. 8. The third wall panel 216 is hinged to fourth wall panel 218 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 217. The fourth wall panel 218 forms a second side wall 218 of the carton 290 shown in FIG. 8. The fourth wall panel 218 is hinged to a securing panel 220 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 219.

The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures.

A first, upper, end of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panel 222 a which, in the illustrated embodiment, forms a top wall of a recloseable end closure C of the tubular structure described in more detail below.

A second, lower, end of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by a plurality of end closure panels 222 b, 224 b, 226 b, 228 b which, in the illustrated embodiment, forms a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by the end closure panel 222 a and the plurality of lower end closure panels 222 b, 224 b, 226 b, 228 b respectively. The plurality of end closure panels 222 b, 224 b, 226 b, 228 b form a composite bottom wall which is erectable when the blank 210 is erected into a tubular structure from the flat collapsed form shown in FIG. 8. The composite bottom wall may be secured adhesivelessly, that is to say without requiring glue or other adhesive to secure the composite bottom wall in position.

A first end closure panel 222 a forms a first top panel 222 a and is hingedly connected to a first end of the first wall panel 212 by a fold line 223 a.

A second end closure panel 222 b forms a first base panel 222 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the first wall panel 212 by a fold line 223 b. The second end closure panel 222 b is substantially triangular in shape. A first securing tab 230 a is hingedly connected to second end closure panel 222 b by a fold line 231 a. A second securing tab 230 b is hingedly connected to second end closure panel 222 b by a fold line 231 b.

A third end closure panel 224 b forms a second base panel 224 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the second wall panel 214 by a fold line 225 b.

A fourth end closure panel 226 b forms a third base panel 226 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the third wall panel 216 by a fold line 227 b. The fourth end closure panel 226 b comprises a cutaway struck from an end edge thereof. The cutaway is substantially rectangular in shape.

A fifth end closure panel 228 b forms a fourth base panel 228 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the fourth wall panel 218 by a fold line 229 b.

A “V” shaped cutaway is struck from a side edge of the third end closure panel 224 b adjacent to the fourth end closure panel 226 b. A “V” shaped cutaway is struck from a side edge of the fifth end closure panel 228 b adjacent to the fourth end closure panel 226 b.

The composite bottom wall can be assembled when the carton 290 is erected into tubular form by folding the fourth end closure panel 226 b about fold line 227 b and subsequently folding the third and fifth end closure panels 224 b, 228 b about fold lines 225 b, 229 b respectively. The second end closure panel 222 b can then be folded about fold line 223 b such that the first and second securing tabs 230 a, 230 b pass through the cutaway in the fourth end closure panel 226 b. In doing so the composite bottom wall is locked together without requiring glue or other adhesive treatment.

The blank 210 comprises a cap in the form of a recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises the first end closure panel 222 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a plurality of panels forming side and front walls of the recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first side wall 238 a hinged to a first side of the first end closure panel 222 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 239 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second side wall 238 b hinged to a second side of the first end closure panel 222 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 239 b. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first inner side wall 240 a hinged to the first side wall 238 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 241 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second inner side wall 240 b hinged to the second side wall 238 b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 241 b.

A front wall 234 is hingedly connected to first end closure panel 222 a by a fold line 235. An inner front wall 236 is hingedly connected to front wall 234 by a fold line 237.

A first pair of web panels 242 a, 244 a interconnect the first side wall 238 a and the front wall 234. A first web panel 242 a is hingedly connected to the first side wall 238 a by a fold line 243 a. A second web panel 244 a is hingedly connected to the first web panel 242 a by a fold line 245 a. The second web panel 244 a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the front wall 234 by a fold line 247 a.

A second pair of web panels 242 b, 244 b interconnect the second side wall 238 b and the front wall 234. A third web panel 242 b is hingedly connected to the second side wall 238 b by a fold line 243 b. A fourth web panel 244 b is hingedly connected to the third web panel 242 b by a fold line 245 b. The fourth web panel 244 b is hingedly connected to a second side edge of the front wall 234 by a fold line 247 b.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8 the first and second cutaways R1, R2 of the previous embodiment have been omitted.

The inner front wall 236 comprises a receiver in the form of a third cutaway R3 struck from an end edge thereof. The inner front wall 236 comprises a projection for forming locking tab T1 extending from an end edge of the inner front wall 236. The locking tab T1 is disposed adjacent to the third cutaway R3.

A locking tab receiving aperture A2 is struck from the first end closure panel 222 a adjacent to, and optionally interrupting, the fold line 235.

The locking tab receiving aperture A2 is shaped complementarily to the locking tab T1. The locking tab T1 and the locking tab receiving aperture A2 form a first securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure C in an erected condition.

Optionally, the blank 210 comprises an article neck receiving structure N1/N2. The article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a first part N1 hinged to fourth wall panel 218 and a second part N2 hinged to third wall panel 216. The first part N1 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a first upper panel 252 a hingedly connected to the fourth wall panel 218 by a fold line 253 a. The first part N1 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a first spacer panel 254 a hingedly connected to the first upper panel 252 a by a fold line 255 a. The first part N1 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a first lower panel 256 a hingedly connected to the first spacer panel 254 a by a fold line 257 a. The first part N1 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a first securing panel 258 a hingedly connected to the first lower panel 256 a by a fold line 259 a.

The second part N2 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a second upper panel 252 b hingedly connected to the third wall panel 216 by a fold line 253 b. The second part N2 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a second spacer panel 254 b hingedly connected to the second upper panel 252 b by a fold line 255 b. The second part N2 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a second lower panel 256 b hingedly connected to the second spacer panel 254 b by a fold line 257 b. The second part N2 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 comprises a second securing panel 258 b hingedly connected to the second lower panel 256 b by a fold line 259 b.

Optionally, a first aperture A1 is struck from the first upper panel 252 a, the first spacer panel 254 a and the first lower panel 256 a. When the first part N1 of the article neck receiving structure N1/N2 is erected, the first aperture A1 defines a cutaway in each of the first upper panel 252 a, the first spacer panel 254 a and the first lower panel 256 a.

Optionally, the second upper panel 252 b comprises a first recess R4 struck from a side edge thereof.

Optionally, the second lower panel 256 b comprises a second recess R5 struck from a side edge thereof.

Together, the first aperture A1 and first and second recesses R4, R5 may provide a viewing window for displaying at least a portion of an article such as, but not limited to, an end closure of the article being packaged.

Together, the first aperture A1 and the second recess R5 may receive at least a portion of an article such as, but not limited to, a neck portion of the article being packaged.

The article neck receiving structure N1/N2 may provide support to an upper portion of the article or articles being packaged so as to prevent or inhibit movement of the article within the carton 290, in particular the upper portion thereof.

The article neck receiving structure N1/N2 may provide a display feature for providing an area for branding or other indicia. The article neck receiving structure N1/N2 may be employed to focus a consumer's attention upon branding provided upon a portion of the article being packaged.

The article neck receiving structure N1/N2 may improve the structural integrity of a portion of the carton 290 proximate the upper end so as to form a bracing structure between the first and third wall panels 212, 216 and between the second and fourth wall panels 214, 218. In this way the rigidity of the upper end portion of the carton 290 is improved.

FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled carton 290 forming a package, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the recloseable end closure C. The locking tab T1 is received in the locking tab receiving aperture A2 so as to secure or hold the recloseable end closure C in an erected condition.

Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “300” to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. In the third illustrated embodiment like references have, where possible, been used to denote like parts to indicate that these features belong to the third embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first and second embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 10 there is shown a blank 310 for forming a carton capable of packaging one or more primary products.

The blank 310 comprises a plurality of main panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 312, 314, 316, 318, 320 of the blank 310 form walls of a tubular structure in a set up condition. The blank 310 comprises a first wall panel 312, which forms a rear wall of the carton. The first wall panel 312 is hinged to a second wall panel 314 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 313. The second wall panel 314 forms a first side wall of the carton. The second wall panel 314 is hinged to a third wall panel 316 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 315. The third wall panel 316 forms a front wall 316 of the carton. The third wall panel 316 is hinged to fourth wall panel 318 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 317. The fourth wall panel 318 forms a second side wall 318 of the carton. The fourth wall panel 318 is hinged to a securing panel 320 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 319.

The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures.

A first end closure panel 322 a forms a first top panel 322 a and is hingedly connected to a first end of the first wall panel 312 by a fold line 323 a.

The blank 310 comprises a cap in the form of recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises the first end closure panel 322 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a plurality of panels forming side and front walls of the recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first side wall 338 a hinged to a first side of the first end closure panel 322 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 339 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second side wall 338 b hinged to a second side of the first end closure panel 322 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 339 b. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first inner side wall 340 a hinged to the first side wall 338 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 341 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second inner side wall 340 b hinged to the second side wall 338 b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 341 b.

A front wall 334 is hingedly connected to first end closure panel 322 a by a fold line 335. An inner front wall 336 is hingedly connected to front wall 334 by a fold line 337.

A first pair of web panels 342 a, 344 a interconnect the first side wall 338 a and the front wall 334. A first web panel 342 a is hingedly connected to the first side wall 338 a by a fold line 343 a. A second web panel 344 a is hingedly connected to the first web panel 342 a by a fold line 345 a. The second web 344 a panel is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the front wall 334 by a fold line 347 a.

A second pair of web panels 342 b, 344 b interconnect the second side wall 338 b and the front wall 334. A third web panel 342 b is hingedly connected to the second side wall 338 b by a fold line 343 b. A fourth web panel 344 b is hingedly connected to the third web panel 342 b by a fold line 345 b. The fourth web panel 344 b is hingedly connected to a second side edge of the front wall 334 by a fold line 347 b.

The first inner side wall 340 a comprises a receiver in the form of a first cutaway R1. The second inner side wall 340 b comprises a receiver in the form of a second cutaway R2. The inner front wall 336 comprises a third cutaway R3.

A first locking tab 346 a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the inner front wall 336 by a fold line 349 a. The first locking tab 346 a is shaped complementarily to the first cutaway R1. The first locking tab 346 a and the first cutaway R1 form a first securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure C in an erected condition.

A second locking tab 346 b is hingedly connected to a second side edge of the inner front wall 336 by a fold line 349 b. The second locking tab 346 b is shaped complementarily to the second cutaway R2. The second locking tab 346 b and the first cutaway R2 form a second securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure C in an erected condition.

The blank comprises a securing tab 350 hinged to the third wall panel 316 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 351. The securing tab 350 is shaped complementarily to the third cutaway R3.

The securing tab 350 and the third cutaway R3 form a locking arrangement for locking the recloseable end closure C in a closed condition.

The blank 310 comprises a fifth locking tab T2 extending from an edge of the first inner side wall 340 a. The blank 310 comprises a sixth locking tab T3 extending from an edge of the second inner side wall 340 b.

A first locking tab receiving aperture A4 is struck from the first end closure panel 322 a adjacent to, and optionally interrupting, the fold line 339 a. A second locking tab receiving aperture A5 is struck from the first end closure panel 322 a adjacent to, and optionally interrupting, the fold line 339 b.

The first locking tab receiving aperture A4 is shaped complementarily to the first locking tab T2. The first locking tab T2 and the locking tab receiving aperture A4 form a first securing arrangement for securing the first inner side wall 340 a in a folded condition substantially in face contacting relationship with the first side wall 338 a.

The second locking tab receiving aperture A5 is shaped complementarily to the second locking tab T3. The second locking tab T3 and the locking tab receiving aperture A5 form a second securing arrangement for securing the second inner side wall 340 b in a folded condition substantially in face contacting relationship with the second side wall 338 b.

In this way the recloseable end closure C can be fully assembled without requiring any glue or other adhesive treatment.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 15, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the fourth illustrated embodiment like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “400” to indicate that these features belong to the fourth embodiment. In the fourth illustrated embodiment like references have, where possible, been used to denote like parts to indicate that these features belong to the fourth embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first, second and third embodiments and therefore only the differences from the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 11 there is shown a blank 410 for forming a carton 490 capable of packaging one or more primary products.

The blank 410 comprises a plurality of main panels 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424 hinged one to the next in a linear series. The plurality of main panels 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, 424 of the blank 410 form walls of a tubular structure in a set up condition. The blank 410 comprises a first inner wall panel 412, which forms an inner ply of a first side wall of the carton 490. The first inner wall panel 412 is hinged to a second inner wall panel 414 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 413. The fold line 413 is optionally interrupted by an elongate aperture A1 and a recess R1; the elongate aperture A1 and the recess R1 reduce the folding resistance of the fold line 413. The second inner wall panel 414 forms an inner ply of a door of the carton 490. The second inner wall panel 414 is hinged to a first outer wall panel 416 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 415. The first outer wall panel 416 forms an outer ply of the door of the carton 490. The first outer wall panel 416 is hinged to second outer wall panel 418 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 417. The second outer wall panel 418 forms an outer ply of the first side wall of the carton 490. The second outer wall panel 418 is hinged to a third outer wall panel 420 by a hinged connection such as fold line 419. The third outer wall panel 420 forms a rear wall 420 of the carton 490. The third outer wall panel 420 is hinged to a fourth outer wall panel 422 by a hinged connection such as fold line 421. The fourth outer wall panel 422 forms an outer ply 422 of a second side wall of the carton 490. The fourth outer wall panel 422 is hinged along a portion thereof to a third inner wall panel 424 by a hinged connection such as fold line 423. The third inner wall panel 424 forms an inner ply 424 of the second side wall of the carton 490.

A fifth outer wall panel 440 is hinged along a portion of the fourth outer wall panel 422 by a hinged connection such as fold line 423. The fifth outer wall panel 440 forms a front wall of the carton 490.

A fifth outer wall panel 440 is separated or separable from the third inner wall panel 424 by a cut line or frangible line; in alternative embodiments the fifth outer wall panel 440 is separated from the third inner wall panel 424 by a cutaway.

A securing panel 438 is hinged to the fifth outer wall panel 440 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 439.

The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure structures.

A first, upper, end of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure panel 428 a which, in the illustrated embodiment, forms a top wall of a recloseable end closure C of the tubular structure described in more detail below.

A second, lower, end of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by a plurality of end closure panels 426 b, 428 b, 430 b, 432 b which, in the illustrated embodiment, form a bottom wall of the tubular structure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by the end closure panel 428 a and the plurality of lower end closure panels 426 b, 428 b, 430 b, 432 b respectively. The plurality of end closure panels 426 b, 428 b, 430 b, 432 b form a composite bottom wall which is erectable when the blank 410 is erected into a tubular structure from the flat collapsed form. The composite bottom wall may be secured adhesivelessly, that is to say without requiring glue or other adhesive to secure the composite bottom wall in position.

A first end closure panel 428 a forms a first top panel 428 a and is hingedly connected to a first end of the third outer wall panel 420 by a fold line 429 a.

A second end closure panel 426 b forms a first base panel 426 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the second outer wall panel 418 by a fold line 431 b.

A “V” shaped cutaway is struck from a side edge of the second end closure panel 426 b adjacent a third end closure panel 428 b.

The third end closure panel 428 b forms a second base panel 428 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the third outer wall panel 420 by a fold line 429 b. The third end closure panel 428 b comprises a cutaway struck from an end edge thereof. The cutaway is substantially rectangular in shape.

A fourth end closure panel 430 b forms a third base panel 430 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the fourth outer wall panel 422 by a fold line 433 b. A “V” shaped cutaway is struck from a side edge of the fourth end closure panel 430 b adjacent the third end closure panel 428 b.

A fifth end closure panel 432 b forms a fifth base panel 432 b and is hingedly connected to a second end of the fifth outer wall panel 440 by a fold line 435 b. The fifth end closure panel 432 b is substantially triangular in shape. A first securing tab 434 a is hingedly connected to fifth end closure panel 432 b by a fold line 437 a. A second securing tab 434 b is hingedly connected to fifth end closure panel 432 b by a fold line 437 b.

The blank 410 comprises a cap in the form of recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises the first end closure panel 428 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a plurality of panels forming side and front walls of the recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first side wall 452 a hinged to a first side of the first end closure panel 428 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 453 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second side wall 452 b hinged to a second side of the first end closure panel 428 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 453 b. The recloseable end closure C comprises a first inner side wall 454 a hinged to the first side wall 452 a by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 455 a. The recloseable end closure C comprises a second inner side wall 454 b hinged to the second side wall 452 b by a hinged connection in the form of fold line 455 b.

A front wall 442 of the cap is hingedly connected to first end closure panel 428 a by a fold line 443. An inner front wall 446 is hingedly connected to front wall 442 by a fold line 445.

A first securing tab 448 a is hingedly connected to the first side wall 452 a by a fold line 457 a. The first securing tab 448 a is separated from the front wall 442 by a cutline. A second securing tab 448 b is hingedly connected to the second side wall 452 b by a fold line 457 b. The second securing tab 448 b is separated from the front wall 442 by a cutline.

The first inner side wall 454 a comprises a receiver in the form of a first cutaway R3. The second inner side wall 454 b comprises a receiver in the form of a second cutaway R4. The inner front wall 446 comprises a receiver in the form of a third cutaway R2.

A first locking tab 456 a is hingedly connected to a first side edge of the inner front wall 446 by a fold line 459 a. The first locking tab 456 a is shaped complementarily to the first cutaway R3. The first locking tab 456 a and the first cutaway R3 form a first securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure C in an erected condition.

A second locking tab 456 b is hingedly connected to a second side edge of the inner front wall 446 by a fold line 459 b. The second locking tab 456 b is shaped complementarily to the second cutaway R4. The second locking tab 456 b and the first cutaway R4 form a second securing arrangement for securing the recloseable end closure C in an erected condition.

The blank comprises a securing tab 450 hinged to the first outer wall panel 416 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 451. The securing tab 450 is shaped complementarily to the third cutaway R2.

The securing tab 450 and the third cutaway R2 form a locking arrangement for locking the recloseable end closure C in a closed condition.

Turning to the construction of the carton 490 as illustrated in FIG. 12, glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to a portion of an inner surface of the first outer wall panel 416 and to an inner surface of the second outer wall panel 418.

Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the second inner wall panel 414.

The glue G is applied to a region of the second outer wall panel 418 which underlies the first inner wall panel 412 when the blank 410 is folded about fold line 415. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the first inner wall panel 412.

The blank 410 is folded about the fold line 415 such that the first inner wall panel 412 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second outer wall panel 418 and the second inner wall panel 414 is disposed in overlying relationship with the first outer wall panel 416. The first inner wall panel 412 is secured to the second outer wall panel 418 and the second inner wall panel 414 is secured to the first outer wall panel 416.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the fourth outer wall panel 422. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an inner surface of the third inner wall panel 424.

The third inner wall panel 424 is folded about fold line 423 to overlie the fourth outer wall panel 422. The third inner wall panel 424 is secured to the fourth outer wall panel 422.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 438. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding region of an inner surface of the second outer wall panel 418.

The second outer wall panel 418 is folded about fold line 419 to overlie the third outer wall panel 420. The second outer wall panel 418 is brought into face contacting relationship with the securing panel 438 and is secured thereto.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the first side wall 452 a. Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an inner surface of the second side wall 452 b.

The first inner side wall 454 a is folded about fold line 455 a to overlie the first side wall 452 a.

The first inner side wall 454 a is secured to the first side wall 452 a.

The second inner side wall 454 b is folded about fold line 455 b to overlie the second side wall 452 b. The second inner side wall 454 b is secured to the second side wall 452 b.

The blank 410 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into a tubular structure and loaded with articles. The blank 410 can be erected and assembly completed at the convertor plant without requiring application of glue or other adhesive treatment.

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate assembly of the recloseable end closure C. The recloseable end closure C can be erected by folding the first side wall 452 a about fold line 453 a, and hence simultaneously folds the first inner side wall 454 a so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first end closure panel 428 a.

The second side wall 452 b is folded about fold line 453 b, and hence simultaneously folds the second inner side wall 454 b so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first end closure panel 428 a.

The first securing tab 448 a is folded about fold line 457 a so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first side wall 452 a. The second securing tab 448 b is folded about fold line 457 b so as to be substantially perpendicular to the second side wall 452 b.

The front wall 442 is folded about fold line 443 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the first end closure panel 428 a.

The inner front wall 446 is folded about fold line 445 so as to be brought into face contacting relationship with each of the first and second securing tabs 448 a, 448 b. The first and second securing tabs 448 a, 448 b are disposed between the inner front wall 446 and the front wall 442.

As the inner front wall 446 passes the edge of the first and second side walls 452 a, 452 b, defined by fold lines 455 a, 455 b respectively, the first and second locking tabs 456 a, 456 b are folded about the respective one of the fold lines 459 a, 459 b.

As the inner front wall 446 is brought into face contacting relationship with each of the first and second securing tabs 448 a, 448 b the first and second locking tabs 456 a, 456 b are received in a respective one of the first and second cutaways R3, R4.

The first locking tab 456 a interlocks with the first cutaway R3 and the second locking tab 456 b interlocks with the second cutaway R4 as shown in FIG. 15; in this way the recloseable end closure C is secured in an erected condition.

An assembled carton 490 is shown in FIG. 12. The carton 490 comprises a door 414/416 hingedly connected to the first side wall 412/418 by the fold lines 413, 415.

The fifth outer wall panel 440 forms a front wall 440 of the carton 490 extending partially between a lower end of the carton 490 and an upper end of the carton 490. The front wall 440 prevents unintentional egress of an article or articles disposed within the carton 490 when the door 414/416 is open.

The door 414/416 is held in the closed position by the recloseable end closure C. The front wall 440 overlaps with an upper portion of the door 414/416 when closed thereby preventing the door form being opened.

The contents of the carton 490 can be accessed by rotating the recloseable end closure C about the fold line 429 a thereby unfolding the first end closure panel 428 a.

Once the front wall 442 of the cap clears the upper edge of the door 414/416 the door may be opened. A user may then readily gain access to the contents of the carton 490 so as to remove them.

The contents may be replaced in the carton 490 and the carton reclosed by closing the door 414/416 and then the recloseable end closure C.

The recloseable end closure C is secured or held by interaction between the third cutaway R2 and the securing tab 450.

The door 414/416 may be opened to a fully opened position by folding the door 414/416 through 270 degrees such that the outside surface of the first outer wall panel 416 meets the outside surface of the second outer wall panel 418. The door 414/416 may be held in said fully opened position by closing the recloseable end closure C. The carton 490 may be deployed in this way for display purposes allowing consumers to view the contents of the carton 490.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” each refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank or substrate of sheet material, facilitate folding portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank or substrate of sheet material. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines can each include elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line. 

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising: a plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of walls including: a first side wall; a second side wall; a front wall; and a rear wall; and a cap for closing a first end of the tubular structure, the cap being hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of walls, the cap comprising: an end closure panel for closing said first end; a cap front wall; a first cap side wall; a second cap side wall; wherein the cap front wall, first cap side wall and second cap side wall are configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of walls proximate the first end, and wherein the cap is configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.
 2. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure are configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.
 3. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises at least one locking tab and at least one locking tab receiver, at least one locking tab and at least one locking tab receiver configured to form a cap lock for securing the cap in an erected condition.
 4. A carton according to claim 1, wherein a second one of the plurality of walls comprises a securing tab and the cap comprises a securing tab receiver forming a cap securing arrangement for securing the cap in a closed condition.
 5. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a first cap inner side wall and a second cap inner side wall, each of the first and second cap inner side walls comprising a cutaway defining at least in part a respective receiver, and wherein the cap comprises an inner front wall having a first locking tab and a second locking tab arranged to be received in a respective one of said receivers.
 6. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises an inner front wall having a first front wall locking tab arranged to be received in a front wall locking tab receiver provided in the end closure panel.
 7. A carton according to claim 5, wherein each of the first and second cap inner side walls comprises a side wall locking tab, and the end closure panel comprises a first side wall locking tab receiver and a second side wall locking tab receiver for receiving a respective one of the side wall locking tabs.
 8. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a first pair of web panels hingedly interconnecting the first side wall with the front wall.
 9. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a second pair of web panels hingedly interconnecting the second side wall with the front wall.
 10. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a first side wall securing tab hingedly connected to the first side wall.
 11. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the cap comprises a second side wall securing tab hingedly connected to the second side wall.
 12. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the carton comprises a first article receiving structure comprising a first panel, a second panel and a spacer panel for spacing the second panel apart from the first panel.
 13. A carton according to claim 12, wherein the first panel is hinged to a third one of the plurality of walls of the carton.
 14. A carton according to claim 13, wherein the article receiving structure comprises a securing panel for securing the second panel to said third one of the plurality of walls of the carton.
 15. (canceled)
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising: a plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure, the plurality of walls including: a first side wall; a second side wall; a front wall; and a rear wall; a cap for closing a first end of the tubular structure, the cap being hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of walls, the cap comprising: an end closure panel for closing said first end; a cap front wall; a first cap side wall; a second cap side wall; wherein the cap front wall, first cap side wall and second cap side wall are configured to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of walls proximate the first end; and a door hingedly connected to one of the first and second side walls, the door being retainable in a closed position by the cap, and the door being retainable in an open position by the cap.
 21. A carton according to claim 20, wherein the cap is configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.
 22. A carton according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of walls for forming a tubular structure are configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.
 23. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the front wall extends partially between a first end of the tubular structure and a second end of the tubular structure so as to provide a display window when the door is at least partially open.
 24. A carton according to claim 1, wherein the door comprises a securing tab and the cap comprises a securing tab receiver forming a cap securing arrangement for securing the cap and door in a closed condition.
 25. A blank for forming a carton, the blank comprising: a plurality of wall panels for forming walls of a tubular structure, the plurality of wall panels including: a first side wall panel; a second side wall panel; a front wall panel; and a rear wall panel; and a plurality of cap panels for forming a cap for closing a first end of the tubular structure comprising: an end closure panel for closing said first end and being hingedly connected to a first one of the plurality of wall panels; a cap front wall panel; a first cap side wall panel; a second cap side wall panel; wherein the cap front wall panel, first cap side wall panel and second cap side wall panel are configured in a set up condition to receive a portion of the other ones of the plurality of wall panels proximate the first end, and wherein the plurality of cap panels are configured to be collapsible into a flat collapsed form.
 26. (canceled) 